Maternal and Infant Health

Low birth weight is the single greatest indicator of infant health. Henderson County's three year average was 10.2%, placing it in the same category as some of the poorest counties in Kentucky. Smoking is the single most important cause of low birth weight and Kentucky had the second highest rate of mothers smoking during pregnancy. Kentucky could improve on low birth weight by offering tobacco prevention programs for youth, smoking cessation programs for expectant mothers, and strengthening smoke-free workplace laws.